News in brief

Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, in conjunction with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), is asking for public input on the use of e-bikes on paved bike paths from New Castle to Aspen. The public comment period is from March 19 – April 20. Input will be collected via electronic surveys, paper surveys and comment cards. This input will help shape a recommendation to the RFTA Board of Directors on whether and where to allow class 1 and 2 e-bikes.

Currently, class 1 and 2 e-bikes are only permitted on the Rio Grande Trail between Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs and the Emma Road intersection in Basalt.

Interested individuals are invited to join one of five informational and outdoor demo events:

• Carbondale: April 4, 4-6 p.m. Town Hall/Rec Center at the shade pavilion next to Rio Grande Trail.

• New Castle: April 5, 5-7 p.m. Lakota Rec Center parking lot.

• Aspen: April 10, 4-6 p.m. Aspen Rec Center parking lot.

• Glenwood Springs: April 11, 4-6 p.m. Behind GWS High School along the Rio Grande Trail.

• Basalt: April 12, 4-6 p.m. Next to Basalt High School parking lot along the Rio Grande Trail.

These meet-ups will have information on e-bikes, demos, staff on hand to answer questions, surveys, comment cards and refreshments.

The summary of this input will help the project team make a recommendation for consistent regulations on all paved trails throughout the regional trail system.

State senator honors AHSski teams for title win

State Sen. Kerry Donovan this week recognized the Aspen High School ski teams after they swept the girls and boys state championships last month.

Donovan, whose District 5 includes Pitkin County, introduced a proclamation in the Colorado Senate that “hereby extends heartiest congratulations and commendation” to the teams. The girls team swept the championships, prevailing in slalom, giant slalom and the Nordic races for a total 650.5 points, besting Battle Mountain, which finished in second with 581 points. The boys squad also dominated, earning 661.5 points to top Vail Mountain (572).

“We are proud to see local students achieve such great success and thank them for representing Aspen in such a positive light,” the Senate proclamation reads. “The team’s persistent training and dedication to excellence in both alpine and cross-country skiing allowed them to achieve unprecedented success by winning both the boys and girls state ski titles.

“The Colorado General Assembly would like to honor the Aspen High School ski team for their outstanding performance.”